TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who identifies as a transgender woman, commented on their controversial Bud Light sponsorship.
“One thing I will not tolerate people saying about me is that I don’t like beer,” Mulvaney introduced the video taking a sip of what appeared to be a glass of the adult beverage. “I love beer, and I always have.”
The TikTok influencer went on to say that something “uncomfy” was sitting on their chest.
“I took a brand deal with a company that I loved and I posted a sponsored video to my page,” Mulvaney said of the now infamous Bud Light advertisement. “It must have been a slow news week because the way that this ad got blown up, you would have thought I was like on a billboard or on a TV commercial or something major, but no, it was just an Instagram video.”
Mulvaney refernced the Bud Light can featuring the TikTok influencer on the label saying the can was currently lost after Mulvaney hid it.
“When I do find it, I feel like it needs to go in a museum, preferably behind bulletproof glass,” Mulvaney said with a concerned look to the camera. “I’m bringing it up because what transpired from that video was more bullying and transphobia than I could have ever imagined.”
Mulvaney said the TikTok influencer wished they made the video months ago, though didn’t out of fear of continued backlash along with feeling personally guilty for the controversy.
“I patiently waited for things to get better … they haven’t really,” Mulvaney said adding the TikTok influencer was waiting for Bud Light to reach out regarding the controversy, though Mulvaney never heard from the company.
“For months now, I’ve been scared to leave my house. I’ve been ridiculed in public. I’ve been followed.”
“I have felt a loneliness that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
@dylanmulvaney Trans people like beer too. 🏳️⚧️🍻
“I’m not telling you this because I want your pity, I’m telling you this because if this is my experience from a very privileged perspective, know that it is much much worse for other trans people.”
Mulvaney said for Bud Light to hire a transgender-identifying person and not publicly stand by them through backlash was equivalent to not hiring a transgender-identifying person at all.
“It gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want,” Mulvaney said, noting the “hate” didn’t end with the TikTok influencer. “It has serious and grave consequences for the rest of our community.”
Mulvaney suggested transgender-identifying people were also customers of Bud Light.
“I know a lot of trans and queer people who love beer,” the TikTok influencer said adding. “I have some lesbian friends who could drink some of those haters under the table.”
“To turn a blind eye and pretend everything is okay, it just isn’t an option right now,” Mulvaney said. “There should be nothing controversial or divisive about working with us.”
Mulvaney referenced positive experiences accepting brand deals from other companies saying, “caring about the LGBTQ+ community requires a lot more than just a donation somewhere during Pride month.”
The TikTok influencer encouraged viewers to “care” about every trans person.
“I would love for something productive to come from this.”
Mulvaney concluded the video by encouraging viewers to donate to the Transgender Law Center.
